Chenin vs Chardonnay - Wines sent out 8th January 2026
Blind tasting doesn’t have to be stressful.
These small-group comparison sessions are designed to show you how professionals actually approach blind tasting, using a clear, logical WSET SAT framework, but without the pressure or intimidation that often comes with exams.
Each session focuses on a classic grape or regional comparison, tasted blind, and broken down step by step so you can understand:
what you’re tasting
why it tastes that way
and how to confidently articulate the differences
How the sessions work
Each comparison session includes:
A curated blind tasting of wines that clearly demonstrate stylistic and regional differences
Wines spanning Old World and New World, different climates, winemaking approaches and quality levels
A recorded taste-along video with Jim (Global Wine Academy) and Kate (Vinitude)
Clear explanation using the WSET SAT, without jargon or unnecessary complexity
The wines are chosen to be:
representative
educational
and genuinely useful for calibration
They are not trick wines. The goal is learning, not catching you out.
Who are these sessions for?
These sessions are ideal if you are:
New to WSET and want a confident introduction to blind tasting
Studying WSET Level 2 or Level 3 and want to reduce anxiety around tasting exams
A Diploma student looking for a structured refresher or recalibration
An enthusiastic amateur who wants to taste and think like a professional
They are deliberately shorter, focused, and more affordable than full calibration packs, making them easy to fit into busy schedules.
Why comparison tasting works
Blind tasting becomes much easier when you are not trying to identify everything at once.
By tasting two grapes side by side, you learn to:
recognise structural differences (acidity, tannin, alcohol)
link flavour profiles to climate and winemaking
understand what is typical rather than memorising descriptors
This is exactly how professionals build confidence — through pattern recognition, not guesswork.
A collaborative approach: Jim & Kate
These sessions are delivered jointly by:
Jim Gore – Global Wine Academy
International wine educator specialising in WSET Level 3, Diploma and blind tasting calibration.
Kate Wardell – Vinitude (France)
Wine educator and French wine expert, based in France.
Kate handles European deliveries and is your main contact for EU orders and logistics.
You can learn more about Kate and her work here:
For European enquiries, booking and delivery:
vinitudewineschool@gmail.com
Kate is always happy to talk through:
which sessions are right for you
delivery options within Europe
upcoming comparison themes
Delivery & access
Wines are shipped blind
You receive access to the recorded tasting session, so you can taste along at your own pace
Sessions remain available to revisit — perfect for revision and recalibration
Kate manages European delivery, while UK delivery is handled via Global Wine Academy.
A growing series
These comparison tastings are a recurring theme throughout the year, with new pairings added regularly, including:
Variety comparison
Regional comparison
Cool climate vs warm climate
Old World vs New World expressions
Our aim is simple:
To take the stress out of blind tasting,
to build confidence,
and to show you how professionals really taste — calmly, logically, and with enjoyment.
Blind tasting should be challenging, yes — but it should also be interesting, empowering, and fun.